Legal Update

Minnesota DFL seeks to end Legal Marijuana Now’s major party status

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota’s DFL Party has officially challenged the status of the Legal Marijuana Now Party.

DFL officials filed a petition Tuesday with the Minnesota Supreme Court in the wake of LMNP filing what they believe are dubious certifications following two rejections by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.

A new law passed by the Democratic majority last legislative session requires these conditions to be met for major party status to be granted:

  • A party must have held a convention in 2022 “in all state congressional districts and at least 45 counties or legislative districts.”
  • A party had “an executive committee consisting of a chair and officers for each congressional district and at least 45 counties or legislative districts.”
  • A party had “obtained sufficient support from the voters in prior elections.”

DFL officials alleged LMNP, in its resubmitted status certification, claimed to have “implausibly” held 76 conventions in a single hour on June 8, 2023.

In the petition, the DFL also points to a Star Tribune article from last month about Krystal Gabel, a Colorado woman who said she was surprised to find out she was LMNP’s candidate on Minnesota’s presidential primary ballot.

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Law News

Quebec law protecting seniors from eviction may soon be extended: QS

The Legault government is looking to table Quebec Solidaire’s (QS) Bill 198, which expands the scope of the Françoise David law to better protect seniors from eviction, in the near future.

QS parliamentary leader Alexandre Leduc made the announcement on Friday. In an interview with The Canadian Press, he welcomed the outcome, which came after months of pressure.

“It’s good news,” he said. “In the current context of evictions and renovations, it’s not too much to ask.”

The law commonly, known as “Françoise David’s law” after the former QS leader, passed in 2016. It stipulates that a senior over 70 with a very low income who has lived in his or her home for more than 10 years cannot be evicted.

Last year, however, QS MNA Christine Labrie said more needed to be done to protect a greater number of senior tenants “from the savage evictions that are multiplying.”

She introduced Bill 198, “An Act to amend the Civil Code in order to ensure greater protection for senior tenants against repossession or eviction.”

The aim was to broaden the criteria to include people 65 and over who have been living in their home for at least five years.

More recently,

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Legal Update

The North Star Act aims to provide protections to immigrants lacking legal status in Minnesota

North Star Act aims to provide protections to immigrants lacking legal status


North Star Act aims to provide protections to immigrants lacking legal status

01:26

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Legislature will begin its new session on Monday, and a bill that would make Minnesota a sanctuary state is expected to be among the top priorities.

It’s called the North Star Act and it aims to protect immigrants lacking legal status.

RELATED: The life-changing law for thousands of undocumented Minnesotans

Under the bill, law enforcement and other government agencies such as school districts and public health agencies cannot ask someone about their immigration status or help in civil immigration enforcement.

The bill also prevents state and local agencies from sharing data or collaborating with US officials to enforce immigration laws, but they can still do so if it’s part of a criminal investigation.

State government officials would also be banned from acting as immigration enforcers.

Supporters say that would help in reducing stress in interactions with law enforcement.

MORE NEWS: Senate delays vote on Ukraine and Israel aid after blocking border security deal

DFL leaders say the bill helps promote Minnesota’s dedication, appreciation and respect for immigrants and fosters

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Legal Update

Civil news: changes to civil legal aid forms

Why are forms changing?

Changes are being made to accommodate the initial regulatory changes being introduced as a result of the Means Test Review (MTR). These come into force on 3 August 2023.

These changes have been made to reflect the introduction of the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) on 1 August 2023.

What are the form changes?

Changes will be made to the following controlled work forms – CW1, CW1&2 MH, CW2 (IMM) and CW5 forms and the following certificated work forms – CIVAPP1, CIVAPP3, CIVAPP6, CIVMEANS3 and CIVMEANS7.

The CIVMEANS4 form (financial assessment form for Child under 16) will be removed on 3 August 2023.

The changes include:

  • Amendments to accommodate non means tested areas of controlled work – including HLPAS Early Legal Advice, plus amendments a new declaration for non means tested clients;
  • Amendments to introduce non means testing for all under 18’s applying for civil certificated work and controlled legal representation;
  • The introduction of a new simplified ‘light touch’ approach for under 18’s applying for controlled work where there is no aggregation;
  • Terminology changes to reflect the shift from Domestic Violence to Domestic Abuse

When will the forms be changed?

The new version of the

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